Pensacola’s Saenger Theatre Turns 100

The Saenger Theatre in Pensacola, Florida, is celebrating its 100^th anniversary with 100 curated events and appearances by local cultural and national acts.

“Our team has put so much time and effort into this 100-event celebration, handpicking each and every one of the acts and performances ensuring that guests from all over have 100 chances to take part in this historic milestone,” said Jeffrey Sharp, General Manager of Saenger Theatre for ASM Global.

Celebratory events include performances by Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Ireland’s Celtic Angels, the U.S. Navy Band, as well as appearances by singer/songwriter Mac McAnally, comedians Brad Williams, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Kathleen Madigan and many more.

Originally built for vaudeville and silent movies, the Spanish Baroque theater opened in 1925 at a cost of $500,000. Since then, the venue has ushered in more and 10 million guests. During World War II the theater stayed open around the clock so Pensacola residents could watch newsreels. The theater is also home to historic artifacts including a 1925 Playbill and the original Robert Morton theatre pipe organ. In recognition of its heralded past, the Saenger Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Over the years, the theater has been known by several names including The Grand Dame of Palafox, Lady Saenger, The Crown Jewel of Downtown Pensacola and Pensacola’s Showplace but has always been a hub for popular culture.

On the list of touring Broadway shows and performing artists who have graced the theater’s original wood stage are “Hadestown,” “Cats,” and “Pretty Woman”; local arts groups  the Pensacola Symphony, Ballet Pensacola, The Pensacola Opera and the Pensacola Children’s Chorus; and artists including Itzhak Perlman, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Burl Ives, George Carlin, Robin Williams, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Jerry Seinfeld and Ziggy Marley. Today, the Saenger Theatre hosts nearly 130 shows a year and welcomes up to 100K ticket holders per season.

“Saenger is more than just a building; it is a living, breathing part of our community’s story,” said Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves in a statement. “As we mark this incredible milestone, let us look to the future with the same excitement and commitment that brought the Saenger to life a century ago. Let us continue to invest in the arts, to champion creativity and to ensure that this beloved institution remains a cornerstone of our city for generations to come.”

Over the decades, Saenger Theatre has been maintained and preserved, thanks to Friends of the Saenger, the City of Pensacola and University of West Florida. The work is ongoing to restore and maintain the theatre, including production equipment upgrades, restoration of the original pipe organ and arts and entertainment advocacy efforts.

Managed by ASM Global, the Saenger Theatre is one of several historic venues in the company’s portfolio which includes the Orpheum in Wichita, Kansas, Plaza Theater in El Paso, Texas, and Bob Hope Theater in Stockton, California.

“We take pride in managing such a historically significant venue like Saenger Theatre, as it’s crucial to ensure that its integrity and history are preserved while also adapting for the future with updated technology, enhanced fan offerings, bookings of popular local and national touring acts, and more,” said Jason Bray, Regional Vice President ASM Global. “Saenger Theatre has such a wealth of history to share and even greater potential for the future.”